The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Replacement panels/pieces

So I took the cab off the frame this weekend on my '51, and as guessed, pretty much the bottom 12 to 18 inches is more or less nothing but rust and rust holding more rust. About the only thing that isn't rusted is the seat platform. This is better than I expected considering it has been sitting outside in WI for the past decade or so.

What has been people's experience with the replacement sheet metal parts from the standard sources (LMC, Jim Carter,whoever else) in regards to quality and getting pieces to fit together? Am I better off just biting the bullet and getting the whole floor pan/firewall pieces or attempting to find salvageable pieces and mix in new pieces as needed?

I think most of these repo parts come from the same manufacturer in Taiwan. I have had a mixed bag of luck with repo parts. The two doors I bought are not cooperating very well to say the least. The floor pans seemed fine but the edges were bent up, not down, to overlap the step area. It was annoying to have to rebend this. The driver side fender fits pretty well. The bedsides, tailgate are perfect. It seems like the nuts the manufacturer welds on are always a little off.

My suggestion, and I am no pro here, but cut out as little as possible. If your floor pans are the only thing rusted, then just replace those.

I think it is wise to leave cab on frame for rebuilding. It helps with keeping it square and helps with alignment issues. Woody aka Czechman, a bolter here has a well documented photo journal of his panels replacements. A lot of panels can also be handmade depending on your ability and tools. Have fun and good luck
Dan

you have a 51 chevy ford dodge I could prolly get you a whole solid cab if I knew what you had let me know